Archipelago Hotels mourns founder and Chairman, Charles Brookfield

Archipelago Hotels is mourning the loss of its founder and Chairman, Charles Brookfield, who passed away on June 29, 2026, in Bali. Known affectionately as Pak Charley, he was a visionary leader whose integrity and dedication laid the foundation for one of Southeast Asia's prominent hotel management companies.

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Pak Charley was an extraordinary leader with vision, integrity, and his sincere care for others and each of us who had the opportunity to work with him.

Brookfield established the company as Aston International in 1997, during a challenging period in Asia's economic history. He saw opportunity in the Asian financial crisis, building a hotel management firm focused on resilience, innovation, and world-class service rooted in Indonesian hospitality. The company rebranded as Archipelago Hotels in 2020 and grew to become the largest private hotel management company in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

With nearly two decades of experience in the Hawaiian hotel industry, Brookfield envisioned a company that blended Asian hospitality with international standards. His ambition began with developing a beachfront resort in Bali and a business hotel in Jakarta, eventually expanding to manage hundreds of hotels across Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America, serving millions of guests annually.

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His leadership went beyond mere business matters as he had a special ability to see the potential in each person and give them the confidence to achieve things they had not even imagined before.

Archipelago Hotels CEO John Flood remembered Pak Charley as an "extraordinary leader" with vision, integrity, and genuine care for others. Flood emphasized that Brookfield's leadership extended beyond business, as he possessed a unique ability to see potential in individuals and inspire them to achieve their dreams. The company vows to uphold the values he instilled, ensuring his impact continues.

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While the legacy Pak Charley left behind will continue to be a guide, his greatest impact will always live in each person whom Pak Charley inspired.